Where to stay on trips in Spain, including state hotels (paradores)

Terms used

• Parador — A parador is a hotel in Spain's state-owned chain, often set in a castle, monastery, palace or scenic spot.
• Casa rural — A casa rural is a country house rented as a whole or by the room.
• Alquiler íntegro — Alquiler íntegro means renting the whole house rather than single rooms.
• Vivienda de uso turístico — A vivienda de uso turístico is a tourist flat, registered for short holiday rentals.

Key rules

• Tourist tax: Spain has no national tourist tax; only some regions and towns charge it, per person per night.
• Tourist flats: A legal tourist flat shows a regional registration number and, since July 2025, a national registry number.
• Casa rural: Expect to pay a 25–50% deposit to confirm, with the balance on arrival.
• Paradores: Book early for peak seasons, and look at advance-purchase offers and the loyalty scheme for discounts.
• ID at check-in: Hotels and tourist flats must record every guest's identity data, so carry ID for everyone.

Which type of stay fits you

Pick by how much service you want and how much freedom you need.

• Hotel: staff, a reception and a fixed standard. The simplest choice for short stays.
• Parador: a state-run hotel, often in a castle, monastery or palace. Good for a special trip.
• Casa rural: a country house for groups or families who want space in the countryside.
• Tourist flat: a flat with a kitchen, good for longer city stays.

Hotels

Hotels have staff and a reception. Expect to show ID at check-in. Hotels and tourist flats must both record each guest's identity data and send it to the police, so have passports or ID cards ready for everyone in your party.

Paradores

Paradores are a state-owned chain of about 90 hotels. Many are in historic buildings or scenic places. Prices are usually mid-to-upper range, and a double room commonly costs more than a comparable 4-star hotel.

• Book on the Paradores website, by phone or through agencies.
• Seasonal and promotional rates exist. The Amigos de Paradores loyalty scheme and advance-purchase offers give discounts.
• Popular sites sell out early in peak seasons, so book ahead for summer and holidays.

Casas rurales

A casa rural is a country house rented as a whole (alquiler íntegro) or by the room. Most are in rural areas. You often book direct with the owner or through a booking portal.

• Deposit: usually 25–50% of the total to confirm, with the balance on arrival. A security deposit may also be asked.
• Minimum stay: weekends and holidays often need 2 to 3 nights. Some owners ask for a full week in summer.
• Price: often per house, with a maximum number of guests. Check the limit before you invite friends.
• Cancellation: set by the owner, so read it before you pay.

Tourist flats

A tourist flat (vivienda de uso turístico) must be registered with the regional tourism authority and show its registration number in all advertising. Since July 2025 a national registry number is also required. No number means you should not book.

Flats follow regional rules on capacity, habitability and fire safety, rather than having hotel staff. Rules differ by region and city, and some cities restrict new licences. Owners may also need approval from the building's community of owners. Ask the host for both numbers and check the cancellation terms before paying.

Where tourist tax applies

Spain has no national tourist tax. Regions or towns set their own, so you pay it only in some places. It is not charged at every hotel.

• It is usually a fee per person, per night, added to your bill and collected by the accommodation.
• Many places cap the number of nights charged, and children under a certain age are usually exempt.
• Places with a tax include Catalonia (with an extra charge in Barcelona), the Balearic Islands, some Galician towns such as Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña, and the Valencia region, where towns can apply it from 2026. The Basque Country (San Sebastián) and Asturias have been moving to introduce one.

Rates change often. Ask the accommodation before you book, or check with the regional tax authority. The FAQ below covers more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay a tourist tax at every hotel in Spain?

No, Spain has no national tourist tax, so only some regions and towns charge it.

Which parts of Spain charge a tourist tax?

The main ones are Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, some towns in Galicia and the Valencia region. Barcelona adds its own surcharge on top of the Catalan tax. The Basque Country and Asturias have also been moving to introduce one, so ask your accommodation for the current rate before you book.

How much do I usually pay up front for a casa rural?

Usually 25–50% of the total price to confirm the booking, with the balance paid on arrival. The owner may also ask for a security deposit. Weekends and holidays often need a minimum stay of 2 to 3 nights, and some owners ask for a full week in summer.

How can I get a better price at a parador?

Join the Amigos de Paradores loyalty scheme or book an advance-purchase offer. Paradores are state-owned hotels, often in castles or monasteries, and a double room usually costs more than a comparable 4-star hotel.

What should I check before booking a tourist flat?

Check that the listing shows a regional registration number and, since July 2025, a national registry number too. Tourist flats follow regional rules on capacity and fire safety, and some cities restrict new licences. Like hotels, they must record your identity details and send them to the police, so bring your passport or ID.